Step 1 : Introduction to the question "4. We have a tragic tale of a tree which once was abundant across the eastern half of America but was virtually wiped out at the beginning of the 20th century by disease. Which nut has been sung about in a Christmas carol "roasting on an open fire"?"
...1. Peanut 2. Pecan 3. Almond 4. Chestnut Unfortunately, the Asian fungus "diaporthe parasitica" was introduced to the area and caused the "Chestnut blight" from 1900 to 1908, virtually killing all but a few of the 4 billion American Chestnut trees. Only very few remain and many of those live just long enough to drop a seed before succumbing to the fungus. For over 100 years, efforts have been made to protect and help bring the species back but with little success. Before 1900, Chestnut trees were the staple lumber supply for building houses in eastern America.